JOHN EDGAR BLASDEL, SR, age 92, of Bright, Indiana, passed away Thursday, December 17, 2020 at Margaret Mary Hospital, Batesville, Indiana. He was born November 12, 1928 in Bright, Indiana to Walter Earl and Lillian (Jackson) Blasdel. He was married to the late Clara Wilma Fondong on June 18, 1949 in Bright who predeceased him on December 17, 2011.
Mr. Blasdel was a retired metallurgical engineer, Westinghouse, Fernald. He was a member of the Bright Providence Presbyterian Church, an ordained Elder, ordained Deacon and choir member of the church. He served on the Gibson Cemetery Board and was its business manager, member of Bright Lions Club, dual member of Lawrenceburg Masonic Lodge No. 4 and the Integrity Masonic Lodge, Bright, the Scottish Rite, the Southeastern Indiana Shrine Club, dedicated driver for over 100 trips to Shriners Childrens Hospitals, Murat Shrine Club of Indianapolis, Retired Senior Volunteer Program, was Past President of the Sunman-Dearborn Community School Board, and S-DCSC Building Financial Advisor. He was an active member of the Blaisdell Family National Association and a leader in the local Lt. Jacob Blasdel family Reunion group. He was instrumental in the preservation of the Historic Cambridge Cemetery where Lt. Jacob Blasdel and 100 members of the Blasdel family are interred.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, Clara Wilma (Fondong) Blasdel, grandsons Nathaniel Spears and Lucah Reed and brother, Ervin S. Blasdel, and sisters, Mary (Blasdel) Bennett, Anna (Blasdel) Benjamin, and Wilma (Blasdel) Elmer.
Mr. Blasdel is survived by his children, John E. (late Anne) Blasdel Jr. of Bright, IN, Jeff E. (Michelle) Blasdel of Columbus, IN, Joel “Jody” (Karen) Blasdel of Bright, IN and Joan E. (Brian) Erhart of St. Leon, IN. He will also be missed by his grandchildren Trisha (Brian) Spears, Sarah (Jason) Reed, Carey (Clay) Arnett, Jacob (Audra) Blasdel, Janelle Blasdel, Jason (Jennifer) Blasdel, Lainey (Joshua) Schaefer, Jenna (John) Rack, Jared (Jenae) Blasdel, Cassandra (Shaun) Williamson, Curtis (Cheryl) Erhart, and Chelsey Erhart (Dean Martini); great-grandchildren Hayden & Hayley Arnett, Landon Blasdel, Joseph & Abigail Spears, Micah, Zaiah, Jonah & Ezrah Reed, Kaylynn & Eli Schaefer, John & Lillian Rack, and Colton & Camron Erhart. He will also be missed by his sister, Alice (Blasdel) Rustemeyer and Lois (Blasdel) Gellert.
Visitation will be held on Monday, December 21, 2020 from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM with services immediately following at Bright Providence Presbyterian Church, Bright, Indiana with Elder Dan Johnson officiating. Masonic Services at 10:45 AM. Jackman Hensley Funeral Home 215 Broadway Street Harrison, Ohio 45030 is in charge of the services.
Burial will follow in Gibson Cemetery, Bright, Indiana.
Memorials are suggested to Southeastern Indiana Shrine Club, Bright Fire/EMS or the Bright Providence Presbyterian Church c/o the funeral home.
“Due to the current situation dealing with COVID-19, we are following the directives from Governor Holcomb and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention concerning large events and mass gatherings. The family deeply appreciates the support and love shown from friends, but the health and well being of everyone in our community is of top priority. We are asking everyone who will be in attendance to please remember the social distancing guidelines at all times, and the wearing of masks is highly recommended”